Cyclic flow apparatus

ABSTRACT

The cyclic flow apparatuses consistent with the technology disclosed herein are configured to sealably couple to a liquid flow circuit. The cyclic flow apparatus is configured to change a flow velocity of a liquid through a filter media holder. In various embodiments, the cyclic flow apparatus is configured to change the flow velocity of the liquid through a portion of the liquid flow circuit. The cyclic flow apparatus can be configured to cyclically change the flow velocity of the liquid in the liquid flow circuit through the filter media holder.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63/143,174, filed 29 Jan. 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to a flow apparatus. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to a cyclic flow apparatus.

BACKGROUND

In the development of filtration media, fluid flow test benches areoften employed that help test the efficacy of the filtration media. Thetest bench generally defines a closed liquid flow circuit through whichfluid is pumped. The filtration media is typically mounted within theliquid flow circuit of the test bench such that the pumped fluid passesthrough the filtration media. The fluid is often charged with one ormore contaminants upstream of the filtration media, and theeffectiveness of the filtration media in separating the contaminants canbe quantified based on a variety of parameters including efficiency,pressure drop, collection capacity, and the like.

Typically the fluid of a test bench is pumped through the liquid flowcircuit at a constant flow rate. But in many real-life implementationsof the filtration media, the flow rate varies during use. Such flow ratevariations impact the performance of the filter media. As such, there isgeneral interest in having the ability to test filter media undervariable flow rate conditions. While test benches have been developedthat cycle the flow rate of the fluid flow in the test bench, such testbenches are relatively large and complex and can be cost prohibitive.

SUMMARY

The cyclic flow apparatuses described herein are configured to beinstalled along a liquid flow circuit to achieve a varying flow ratethrough at least a portion of the liquid flow circuit. The cyclic flowapparatus can be a component of a liquid flow circuit, or it can be aretrofit device that is configured to be installed in an existing liquidflow circuit. In the latter case, the existing liquid flow circuit canbe designed to have a constant flow rate, and the cyclic flow apparatuscan be a retrofit device that modifies the liquid flow circuit to have avarying flow rate rather than a constant flow rate.

In some embodiments, the current technology relates to a cyclic flowapparatus. A housing has a first variable volume and a first flowopening. The first flow opening extends to the first variable volume.The housing has a moveable sidewall defining the first variable volume.A first conduit coupling structure is about the first flow opening. Alinear actuator is fixed to the moveable sidewall.

In some such embodiments, the moveable sidewall is a piston.Additionally or alternatively, the linear actuator and the moveablesidewall are configured to change a flow velocity of a liquid in aliquid flow circuit. Additionally or alternatively, the first conduitcoupling structure is configured to sealably couple to a liquid flowcircuit. Additionally or alternatively, the piston has a media openingdefining a flow path in fluid communication with the first variablevolume. Additionally or alternatively, the piston comprises a mediacoupling structure about the media opening. Additionally oralternatively, the piston forms a fluid seal with the housing across thefirst variable volume. Additionally or alternatively, the first flowopening is a flow inlet and flow outlet. Additionally or alternatively,the first flow opening is a flow inlet and the first flow opening is nota flow outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the housing has acomplementary variable volume, where the moveable sidewall defines thecomplementary variable volume. Additionally or alternatively, thehousing has a second flow opening extending to the complementaryvariable volume. Additionally or alternatively, the cyclic flowapparatus is a retrofit device.

Some examples of the current technology relate to a cyclic flowapparatus having a housing and a piston. The housing has a flow inlet, aflow outlet, and a cavity extending in an axial direction from the flowinlet to the flow outlet. The piston is disposed across the cavity andforms a seal with the housing. The piston is linearly translatable inthe axial direction along the cavity. The piston defines an axiallyextending media opening in fluid communication with the cavity.

In some such embodiments, the apparatus has an actuator translatablycoupled to the piston. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator isconfigured to cyclically translate the piston between a first positionand a second position in the cavity. Additionally or alternatively, thefirst position is towards a first end of the cavity and the secondposition is towards the second end of the cavity. Additionally oralternatively, the piston defines a media coupling structure about themedia opening.

Yet other examples of the current technology relate to a cyclic flowapparatus. A housing has a first variable volume defining a first flowopening and a conduit coupling structure about the first flow opening.The conduit coupling structure is configured to detachably couple to aliquid flow circuit. An actuator is in operative communication with thehousing. The actuator is configured to cause the housing to cyclicallyaccumulate liquid in the liquid flow circuit in the first variablevolume and release liquid from the first variable volume to the liquidflow circuit.

In some such embodiments, the apparatus has a flow sensor positioned inthe first flow opening and a controller coupled to the actuator. Thecontroller is in data communication with the flow sensor. Additionallyor alternatively, the housing is a cylinder. Additionally oralternatively, the system has a piston translatably disposed in thecylinder, where the first variable volume is defined by the cylinder andpiston. Additionally or alternatively, a complementary variable volumeis defined by the cylinder and the piston, where the cylinder defines asecond flow opening extending to the complementary variable volume.Additionally or alternatively, the first variable volume is a bladder.Additionally or alternatively, the first flow opening is a flow inletand flow outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the first flow openingis a flow inlet and the first flow opening is not a flow outlet.Additionally or alternatively, the cyclic flow apparatus is a retrofitdevice.

In yet other example embodiments, the current technology relates to acyclic flow apparatus having a housing defining a first variable volumeand a complementary variable volume. The housing has an outer casinghaving a fixed volume. A bladder is disposed in the casing. The bladderdefines the first variable volume. A bladder inlet extends to the firstvariable volume and a bladder outlet extends from the first variablevolume. The complementary variable volume is defined between the bladderand the casing. The casing defines a casing inlet and a casing outlet. Aflow control valve is operably coupled to the bladder outlet. Anactuator is operably coupled to the flow control valve. The actuator isconfigured to oscillate the flow control valve between a restrictedposition and an open position.

In some such embodiments, the bladder inlet and the casing inlet are atopposite axial ends of the housing. Additionally or alternatively, aflow sensor is positioned adjacent the bladder outlet and a controllercoupled to the actuator, where the controller is in data communicationwith the flow sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus has afirst conduit coupling structure about the bladder outlet, a secondconduit coupling structure about the casing outlet, a third conduitcoupling structure about the bladder inlet, and a fourth conduitcoupling structure about the casing inlet, where each conduit couplingstructure is configured to be coupled to a liquid flow circuit.Additionally or alternatively, the actuator is configured to cause thebladder to cyclically accumulate and release liquid. Additionally oralternatively, the cyclic flow apparatus is a retrofit device.

Some embodiments of the current technology relate to a cyclic flowapparatus having a housing defining a first variable volume and a firstflow opening extending to the first variable volume. The housing has amoveable sidewall defining the first variable volume. An actuator isoperably coupled to the moveable sidewall. A flow sensor is configuredto sense a liquid flow velocity. A controller is in data communicationwith the flow sensor and is in operative communication with theactuator. The controller is configured to operate the actuator to definea liquid flow velocity relative to the flow sensor.

In some such embodiments, the moveable sidewall includes a piston.Additionally or alternatively, the piston defines an opening and a mediacoupling structure about the opening. Additionally or alternatively, theflow sensor is disposed on the piston. Additionally or alternatively,the flow sensor is disposed adjacent the first flow opening.Additionally or alternatively, the actuator is a linear actuator.Additionally or alternatively, the actuator is configured to operate aflow control valve. Additionally or alternatively, the housing has afirst conduit coupling structure about the first flow opening, where thefirst conduit coupling structure is configured to sealably couple to aliquid flow circuit. Additionally or alternatively, the first flowopening is a flow inlet and flow outlet. Additionally or alternatively,the first flow opening is a flow inlet and the first flow opening is nota flow outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the housing has acomplementary variable volume, where the moveable sidewall defines thecomplementary variable volume. Additionally or alternatively, thehousing has a second flow opening extending to the complementaryvariable volume.

The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or everyimplementation. Rather, a more complete understanding of illustrativeembodiments will become apparent and appreciated by reference to thefollowing Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments and claims inview of the accompanying figures of the drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic flow diagram for an example test bench consistentwith an example implementation of the current technology.

FIG. 2 is a schematic flow diagram for another example test benchconsistent with another example implementation of the currenttechnology.

FIG. 3 is schematic cross-sectional view of an example cyclic flowapparatus.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example cyclicflow apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example cyclicflow apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example cyclicflow apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternate exemplaryvariable volume housing.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example cyclicflow apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example cyclicflow apparatus.

The present technology may be more completely understood and appreciatedin consideration of the following detailed description of variousembodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings.

The figures are rendered primarily for clarity and, as a result, are notnecessarily drawn to scale. Moreover, various structure/components,including but not limited to fasteners, electrical components (wiring,cables, etc.), and the like, may be shown diagrammatically or removedfrom some or all of the views to better illustrate aspects of thedepicted embodiments, or where inclusion of such structure/components isnot necessary to an understanding of the various exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein. The lack of illustration/description of suchstructure/components in a particular figure is, however, not to beinterpreted as limiting the scope of the various embodiments in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Cyclic flow apparatuses consistent with the technology disclosed hereincan have a variety of different configurations. The cyclic flowapparatus is generally configured to change a flow velocity of a liquidthrough a filter media holder. In various embodiments, the cyclic flowapparatus is configured to change the flow velocity of the liquidthrough a portion of the liquid flow circuit. The cyclic flow apparatuscan be configured to cyclically change the flow velocity of the liquidin the liquid flow circuit through the filter media holder. Such cyclingof the flow velocity through the filter media holder can advantageouslyprovide a media testing environment that provides a closerrepresentation of real-world operational environments of a filter media.“Cyclic flow” is generally defined as a flow rate that fluctuates in arepeating pattern over time.

The cyclic flow apparatus can be a retrofit device that is configured tosealably couple to an existing liquid flow circuit, or an integralcomponent of a liquid flow circuit. Where the cyclic flow apparatus is aretrofit device, the cyclic flow apparatus is configured to be installedin an existing liquid flow circuit. The existing liquid flow circuit canbe configured to have a constant flow rate, and the cyclic flowapparatus can be a retrofit device that modifies the liquid flow circuitto have a varying flow rate rather than a constant flow rate. A“retrofit device” as defined herein is an accessory component that isconfigured to be added to an existing system to modify the system. Invarious embodiments, the cyclic flow apparatus is a retrofit device thatis configured to modify a constant flow rate liquid flow circuit toexhibit cyclic flow conditions through a portion of the liquid flowcircuit.

FIG. 1 is a schematic flow diagram for a first example liquid flowcircuit 10 consistent with various implementations of the currenttechnology. The liquid flow circuit 10 is consistent with a multi-passfilter media test bench, in various embodiments. The liquid flow circuit10 generally has an inlet line 12 that extends from a fluid reservoir 20to a filter media holder 30. The fluid reservoir 20 is generallyconfigured to contain the liquid that passes through the liquid flowcircuit 10. The liquid can be water, hydraulic fluid, fuel, and oil, asexamples. A contaminant injector 22 is generally in fluid communicationwith the fluid reservoir 20. The contaminant injector 22 is configuredto inject a contaminant into the fluid reservoir 20. In variousembodiments, the contaminant injector 22 is configured to inject acontaminant into the fluid reservoir 20 at a continuous rate. Thecontaminant can be a test dust, for example.

Various components can be disposed along the inlet line 12 of the liquidflow circuit 10. For example, a pump 40 can be fluidly coupled to theinlet line 12. The pump 40 can be configured to elicit liquid flowaround the liquid flow circuit 10. In various embodiments, the pump 40is configured to elicit liquid flow around the liquid flow circuit 10 ata particular liquid flow rate. In various embodiments the particularliquid flow rate is selectable by a user, such as through a userinterface that is in operative communication with the pump 40.

The filter media holder 30 is generally disposed across the inlet line12. The filter media holder 30 defines an opening that is a filtrationpathway for the liquid in the liquid flow circuit 10. The filter mediaholder 30 is generally configured to secure filter media about theopening such that the liquid in the liquid flow circuit 10 passesthrough the filter media. An outlet line 14 extends from the filtermedia holder 30 to the fluid reservoir 20, where the outlet line 14 isconfigured to accommodate liquid flow from the filter media holder 30 tothe fluid reservoir 20, when the liquid is then cycled through theliquid flow circuit repeatedly until the testing stops. Variousadditional and alternate components can be disposed along the outletline 14.

A pressure sensor 50 is generally configured to sense the differentialpressure across the media holder 30. In particular, the pressure sensor50 can have a first sensor 52 configured to measure the liquid pressureon the upstream side of the media holder 30 and the pressure sensor 50can have a second sensor 54 configured to measure the liquid pressure onthe downstream side of the media holder 30. According to some testingprocedures, testing of a filter media is terminated upon the pressuresensor 50 sensing a threshold differential pressure across the mediaholder 30 (and, therefore, across the filter media mounted to the mediaholder 30).

The liquid flow circuit 10 has an upstream particle counter 60 and adownstream particle counter 62. The upstream particle counter 60 ispositioned along the liquid flow circuit 10 upstream of the media holder30. The downstream particle counter 62 is positioned along the liquidflow circuit 10 downstream of the media holder 30. The particle counters60, 62 can be consistent with particle counters known in the art.

A flow sensor 70 is generally positioned along the liquid flow circuit10 that is configured to monitor the flow rate of the liquid through theliquid flow circuit 10. In some embodiments, the flow sensor 70 is incommunication with a user interface to report the flow rate to a user.In some embodiments the flow sensor 70 is in data communication with acontroller that is in operative communication with the pump 40 to ensurea constant flow rate is attained. In some such embodiments, the flowsensor 70 can also be in data communication with a user interface toreport the flow rate to a user.

FIG. 2 is a schematic flow diagram for another example test benchconsistent with another example implementation of the currenttechnology. The liquid flow circuit 11 is consistent with a single-passfilter media test bench, in various embodiments. The liquid flow circuit11 generally defines a single-pass flow path 15 that extends between afluid reservoir 21 and a filter media holder 31. More particularly, thesingle-pass flow path 15 extends from a recirculation flow path 13having the fluid reservoir 21 to a drain tank 23 through the filtermedia holder 31. The single-pass flow path 15 has an inlet line 12 thatextends from the recirculation flow path 13 to the filter media holder31, and an outlet line 14 that extends from the filter media holder 31to the drain tank 23.

The fluid reservoir 21 is generally configured to contain the liquidthat passes through the single-pass flow path 15. The liquid can bewater, hydraulic fluid, fuel, and oil, as examples. In the currentexample, the liquid contains a contaminant such as test dust, and theliquid-contaminant mixture is recirculated through the recirculationflow path 13 with a recirculation pump 42 to prevent settling of thecontaminant in the reservoir 21.

Various components can be disposed along the single-pass flow path 15. Asample pump 41 can be fluidly coupled to the single-pass flow path 15.The sample pump 41 can be configured to elicit liquid flow through thesingle-pass flow path 15. In various embodiments, the sample pump 41 isconfigured to elicit liquid flow through the single-pass flow path at aparticular liquid flow rate. In various embodiments the particularliquid flow rate is selectable by a user, such as through a userinterface that is in operative communication with the sample pump 41.

The filter media holder 31 is generally disposed across the single-passflow path 15. The filter media holder 31 defines an opening that is afiltration pathway for the liquid in the single-pass flow path 15. Thefilter media holder 31 is generally configured to secure filter mediaabout the opening such that the liquid in the single-pass flow path 15passes through the filter media. The single-pass flow path 15 extendsfrom the filter media holder 31 to the drain tank 23, where the liquidthat is filtered by the filter media (on the filter media holder 31) isheld.

A pressure sensor 51 is generally configured to sense the differentialpressure across the media holder 31. The pressure sensor 51 can have aconfiguration similar to that depicted in FIG. 1 where there is a liquidpressure sensor on the upstream side of the media holder 31 and anotherliquid pressure sensor on the downstream side of the media holder 31.The single-pass flow path 15 can also have an upstream particle counter61 and a downstream particle counter 63 consistent with particlecounters known in the art.

A flow sensor 71 is generally positioned along the single-pass flow path15 that is configured to monitor the flow rate of the liquid through thesingle-pass flow path 15. In some embodiments, the flow sensor 71 is incommunication with a user interface to report the flow rate to a user.In some embodiments the flow sensor 71 is in data communication with acontroller that is in operative communication with the sample pump 41 toensure a constant flow rate is attained. The flow sensor 71 can also bein data communication with a user interface to report the flow rate to auser.

The cyclic flow apparatuses described herein can generally be installedon liquid flow circuits such as that depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 to enableliquid flow through the liquid flow circuit that has a varying flow raterather than a constant flow rate.

FIG. 3 depicts one example schematic cross-sectional view of an examplecyclic flow apparatus 100 consistent with various embodiments. Thecyclic flow apparatus 100 has a housing 110 defining a first variablevolume 116. The housing 110 has a moveable sidewall 124 defining thefirst variable volume 116. The housing 110 has a first flow opening 112extending to the first variable volume 116.

The cyclic flow apparatus 100 is generally configured to change a liquidflow velocity through a media holder 130. The cyclic flow apparatus 100can be configured to create cyclic liquid flow conditions through themedia holder 130. In various embodiments, the cyclic flow apparatus 100is configured to cycle a liquid flow velocity through the media holder130.

The housing 110 generally has a first flow opening 112, a second flowopening 114, and a cavity 111 extending from the first flow opening 112to the second flow opening 114. The first flow opening 112 and thesecond flow opening 114 are defined on opposite axial ends of thehousing 110. The first flow opening 112 can be a flow inlet in variousembodiments. The second flow opening 114 can be a flow outlet in variousembodiments. In various embodiments the first flow opening 112 is only aflow inlet and is not a flow outlet.

The moveable sidewall 124 is a piston 124 that is disposed across thecavity 111. The piston 124 forms a fluid seal with the inner surface ofthe housing 110. The piston 124 is generally linearly translatable inthe axial direction along the cavity 111. As such, the position of thepiston 124 within the cavity 111 defines the volume of the firstvariable volume 116 and the volume of a complementary variable volume118 on the opposite side of the piston 124. The first flow opening 112extends to the first variable volume 116. The second flow opening 114extends to the complementary variable volume 118.

The piston 124 has a media holder 130 that is generally configured tohold filtration media for testing. The media holder 130 has a mediacoupling structure 131 that is generally configured to secure filtermedia to the piston 124. The media coupling structure 131 is configuredto create a seal around the edges of the filter media to direct fluidflow through the media. The media coupling structure 131 can be a clamp,for example. The media holder 130 defines a media opening 132 that is anaxially extending opening through the piston 124. The media opening 132is in fluid communication with the cavity 111. The media opening 132defines a flow path between the first variable volume 116 and thecomplementary variable volume 118. The media coupling structure 131generally surrounds the media opening 132 such that filter media coupledto the media coupling structure 131 extends across the media opening132. The media opening 132 extends from the first variable volume 116 tothe complementary variable volume 118.

In some embodiments the media opening 132 is a plurality of discreteopenings through the moveable sidewall 124 that cumulatively define themedia opening 132. Such a configuration advantageously providesstructural support to the media across the media opening 132. In someother embodiments, a support screen such as a wire mesh screen iscoupled to the moveable sidewall 124 across the media opening 132 thatis configured to provide support to a filter media. Other configurationscan also be used.

An actuator 120 is generally operably coupled to the moveable sidewall124. In the current example, the actuator 120 is translatably coupled tothe piston 124 via a shaft 122. In various embodiments the actuator 120is a linear actuator that is fixed to the piston 124. The actuator 120is configured to actuate linear translation of the piston 124 throughthe cavity 111. More particularly, the actuator 120 is configured tocyclically translate the piston 124 between a first position and asecond position in the cavity 111. The direction and velocity of thepiston 124 through the cavity 111 can define the direction, thevelocity, or both the direction and the velocity of fluid flow throughthe media opening 132 and, more particularly, through a filter mediathat is secured to the media holder 130 of the piston.

In various implementations, the cyclic flow apparatus 100 is configuredto couple to a liquid reservoir (not currently depicted). In variousimplementations, the cyclic flow apparatus 100 is configured to coupleto a liquid flow circuit 10 that may incorporate a liquid reservoir,where only a portion of the liquid flow circuit 10 is currentlydepicted. While the element number associated with the multi-pass liquidflow circuit 10 described above with reference to FIG. 1 is used in thediscussions of cyclic flow apparatuses herein, it will be appreciatedthat the liquid flow circuit can be consistent with a single-pass liquidflow circuit 11 discussed above with reference to FIG. 2. In someembodiments, the cyclic flow apparatus 100 is integral to the liquidflow circuit 10. However, in some other examples, the cyclic flowapparatus 100 is configured to be coupled to the liquid flow circuit 10.The cyclic flow apparatus 100 has a first conduit coupling structure 113about the first flow opening 112. The first conduit coupling structure113 is configured to sealably couple to a flow line, such as the inletline 12, of the liquid flow circuit 10 such that the first flow opening112 is in direct fluid communication with the liquid flow circuit 10. Invarious embodiments, the first conduit coupling structure 113 isconfigured to detachably couple to the inlet line 12 of the liquid flowcircuit 10. The first conduit coupling structure 113 can use a varietyof different fastening mechanisms and combinations of fasteningmechanisms as are generally known in the art.

The cyclic flow apparatus 100 generally has a second conduit couplingstructure 115 about the second flow opening 114. The second conduitcoupling structure 115 is configured to sealably couple to a flow line,such as an outlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit 10 such that thesecond flow opening 114 is in direct fluid communication with the outletline 14 of the liquid flow circuit 10. The second conduit couplingstructure 115 is configured to detachably couple to the outlet line 14of the liquid flow circuit 10. The second conduit coupling structure 115can use a variety of different fastening mechanisms and combinations offastening mechanisms as are generally known in the art.

In the current example, the cyclic flow apparatus 100 is generallyconfigured to be installed in the liquid flow circuit 10. In someimplementations the cyclic flow apparatus 100 is configured to replacethe media holder 30 of the liquid flow circuit 10. As such, the mediaholder 30 of the liquid flow circuit 10 can be removed and the firstconduit coupling structure 113 is coupled to the inlet line 12 of theliquid flow circuit 10 and the second conduit coupling structure 115 iscoupled to the outlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit 10. In someother embodiments, the cyclic flow apparatus 100 is configured to beintegral with the liquid flow circuit. In some, but not all, suchembodiments, the cyclic flow apparatus 100 can omit one or both of thefirst and second conduit coupling structures 113, 115 where the inletline 12 and/or the outlet line 14 are integral with the housing 110.

As discussed above, the liquid flow circuit 10 that is coupled to thecyclic flow apparatus 100 is configured to cycle liquid through the flowcircuit at a constant volumetric flow rate. When the moveable sidewall124 is stationary within the cavity 111, the velocity of the liquidpassing through the media opening 132 (or through a filter media coupledto the piston 124 about the media opening) is constant and is equal tothe volumetric flow rate divided by the flow area of the media opening132. When the moveable sidewall 124 is linearly translated through thecavity 111 towards the second flow opening 114, the velocity of theliquid passing through the media opening 132 is decreased by the linearvelocity of the moveable sidewall 124. When the moveable sidewall 124 islinearly translated through the cavity 111 towards the first flowopening 112, the velocity of the liquid passing through the mediaopening 132 is increased by the linear velocity of the moveable sidewall124. In this way the fluid velocity through the media holder 130 can bevaried.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 incorporates a liquid flow sensorthat is configured to sense one or both of the fluid flow velocity orfluid flow rate through the media holder 130. In various otherembodiments, the apparatus 100 does not incorporate a liquid flow sensorand a processing system 142 can be configured to calculate the liquidflow velocity and/or the flow rate through the media holder 130. Such acalculation is generally based on the flow rate through the liquid flowcircuit 10 and the linear velocity of the piston 124, as has beendescribed above. The processing system 142 can obtain the liquid flowcircuit 10 flow rate either from data entered by a user through a userinterface or data obtained from a flow sensor 70, 71 of the liquid flowcircuit 10 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In some suchexamples, the flow sensor 70, 71 is in data communication with theprocessing system 142 that is configured to receive flow rate data fromthe flow sensor 70, 71 of the flow circuit 10, 11 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Theprocessing system 142 is depicted as separate from the controller 140 inFIG. 3, but in some embodiments the processing system 142 is a componentof the controller 140. In some embodiments consistent with FIG. 3, theprocessing system 142 can be a computer, for example, that is incommunication with the controller 140.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 can be in operativecommunication with the actuator 120 such that the controller 140 isconfigured to operate the actuator (thereby translating the moveablesidewall 124) to define liquid flow velocity conditions through themedia holder 130. The liquid flow velocity conditions can be specifiedby a user to the system through a user interface such a computer, dials,keypad, touchscreen, or the like. The liquid flow velocity conditionscan be consistent with cyclic flow conditions. The processing system 142can be configured to determine the cycle speed of the piston to achievethe specified liquid flow velocity conditions and communicateoperational instructions to the controller 140, which is configured tosend control signals to the actuator 120. In various embodiments theactuator 120 is configured to actuate cyclic flow conditions in responseto receiving control signals from the controller 140.

In some embodiments, removing the media holder 30, 31 in the liquid flowcircuit 10 would also result in removal of the pressure sensor 50, 51(FIGS. 1 and 2). As such, the cyclic flow apparatus 100 can incorporatea first pressure sensor 136 disposed on the upstream side of themoveable sidewall 124 of the apparatus 100 and a second pressure sensor138 is disposed on a second side of the moveable sidewall 124 such thatthe differential pressure can be calculated across the filter mediaholder 130. In some embodiments, the system can be configured tocalculate the liquid flow velocity through the media holder 130 based onthe differential pressure data.

There may be various modifications to the design depicted in FIG. 3 thatare consistent with the technology disclosed herein. While the currentdesign has a single flow inlet 112 and a single flow outlet 114, in someembodiments there can be multiple inlets 112 and multiple outlets 114 tothe housing 110. The multiple inlets 112 and multiple outlets 114 canextend to the housing 110 from multiple directions. Multiple inletsextending to and from the housing may advantageously increase the speedat which the fluid flow velocity can be changed, for example. Further,in some embodiments the inlets and the outlets can extend from thehousing in the axial direction rather than the transverse direction asdepicted.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example cyclicflow apparatus 200 consistent with the technology disclosed herein. Thecyclic flow apparatus 200 has a housing 210 defining a first variablevolume 216. The housing 210 has a moveable sidewall 224 defining thefirst variable volume 216. The housing 210 has a first flow opening 212extending to the first variable volume 216. A conduit coupling structure213 is disposed about the first flow opening 212. The conduit couplingstructure 213 is configured to sealably couple to a liquid flow circuit10 and can have configurations similar to conduit coupling structuresdiscussed above. In the current example, the conduit coupling structure213 is configured to couple to an inlet line 12 of a liquid flow circuit10. However, it will be appreciated that in some implementations, theconduit coupling structure 213 is configured to couple to an outlet line14 of the liquid flow circuit 10 and will operate consistently with thisdescription. In some other embodiments, the cyclic flow apparatus 200 isconfigured to be integral with the liquid flow circuit 10. In some, butnot all, such embodiments, the cyclic flow apparatus 200 may omit theconduit coupling structure 213 where the liquid flow circuit 10 isintegral with the housing 110.

The cyclic flow apparatus 200 is configured to change a liquid flowvelocity through a media holder 30. The cyclic flow apparatus 200 isgenerally configured to modify fluid flow through an inlet line 12 (oran outlet line) of a liquid flow circuit 10 to adjust the liquid flowvelocity through the media holder 30 of the liquid flow circuit 10. Thecyclic flow apparatus 200 can be configured to create cyclic flowconditions through the media holder 30. In various embodiments, thecyclic flow apparatus 200 is configured to cycle a liquid flow velocitythrough the media holder 30. In the current example, the media holder 30is not defined by the cyclic flow apparatus 200. Rather, here the mediaholder 30 is a component of the liquid flow circuit 10 (only a portionof which is currently depicted) that the cyclic flow apparatus 200 isconfigured to couple to.

In the current example, the cyclic flow apparatus 200 can operate as anaccumulator. The cyclic flow apparatus 200 is configured to be fluidlycoupled to the liquid flow circuit 10 upstream of the media holder 30.In various embodiments, the cyclic flow apparatus 200 is configuredcyclically accumulate liquid from the inlet line 12 of the liquid flowcircuit 10 in the housing 210 (specifically, the first variable volume216) and release liquid from the housing 210 (e.g., the first variablevolume 216) to the inlet line 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10. Afterpassing through the media holder 30, liquid passes through an outletline 14 of the liquid flow circuit 10.

In the current example, the cyclic flow apparatus 200 does not couple tothe outlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit 10, but in some otherembodiments the cyclic flow apparatus 200 is configured to couple to theoutlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit 10. In such embodiments, thecyclic flow apparatus 200 is configured cyclically accumulate liquidfrom the outlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit 10 in the housing 210and release liquid from the housing 210 to the outlet line 14 of theliquid flow circuit 10. In such an implementation, when the liquid isreleased from the housing 210 the flow rate through the media holder 30generally decreases and when liquid accumulates in housing 210 the flowrate through the media holder 30 increases.

The housing 210 has the first flow opening 212 and a cavity 211extending from the first flow opening 212. The cavity 211 extends in anaxial direction from the first flow opening 212 towards an oppositeaxial end 202 of the housing 210. In the current example, the first flowopening 212 is a flow inlet, meaning that liquid enters the housingthrough the first flow opening 212. In the current example, the firstflow opening 212 is also a flow outlet, meaning that liquid exits thehousing 210 through the first flow opening 212. The first flow opening212 extends to the first variable volume 216.

The moveable sidewall 224 is a piston 224 that is disposed across thecavity 211. The piston 224 forms a fluid seal with the inner surface ofthe housing 210. The piston 224 is linearly translatable in the axialdirection along the cavity 211. As such, the position of the piston 224within the cavity 211 defines the volume of the first variable volume216. A complementary variable volume 218 is defined on the opposite sideof the piston 224 but, unlike the previous embodiment, here thecomplementary variable volume 218 does not receive liquid from theliquid flow circuit 10. In further contrast with the previousembodiment, the piston 224 does not define a media holder. Rather, themedia holder 30 is a component of the liquid flow circuit 10.

An actuator 220 is generally operably coupled to the moveable sidewall224. In the current example, the actuator 220 is translatably coupled tothe piston 224 via a shaft 222. In various embodiments the actuator 220is a linear actuator that is fixed to the piston 224. The actuator 220is configured to actuate linear translation of the piston 224 throughthe cavity 211. More particularly, the actuator 220 is configured tocyclically translate the piston 224 between a first position and asecond position in the cavity 211. The direction and velocity of thepiston 224 through the cavity 211 is related to the velocity of fluidflow through the media holder 30 in the liquid flow circuit 10. Theactuator 220 and the moveable sidewall 224 are configured to change aflow velocity of a liquid in the liquid flow circuit 10.

More particularly, the cyclic flow apparatus 200 is configured tofluidly couple to a liquid flow circuit 10 that cycles liquid through ata constant volumetric flow rate. When the moveable sidewall 224 isstationary within the cavity 211, the velocity of the liquid passingthrough the media holder 30 (or through a filter media coupled to themedia holder about a media opening in the media holder) is constant andis equal to the volumetric flow rate divided by the flow area of theopening in the media holder 30. When the moveable sidewall 224 islinearly translated through the cavity 211 away from the first flowopening 212, liquid is diverted from the liquid flow circuit 10 to thefirst variable volume 216. As such, the volumetric flow rate towards themedia holder 30 decreases by the volumetric flow rate of liquid movinginto the first variable volume 216 of the housing 210, which decreasesthe velocity of the liquid passing through the media holder 30. When themoveable sidewall 224 is linearly translated through the cavity 211towards the first flow opening 212, liquid is released from the firstvariable volume 216 to the liquid flow circuit 10. As a result, thevolumetric flow rate through the media holder 30 increases by thevolumetric flow rate of liquid leaving the housing 210. In this way thefluid velocity through a sample filter media secured across the mediaholder 30 can be varied.

In some embodiments, the cyclic flow apparatus 200 has a flow sensor 234that is configured to sense a liquid flow velocity. For example, a flowsensor 234 can be coupled to the housing 210 adjacent to the first flowopening 212 to sense the liquid flow velocity through the first flowopening 212. In some other embodiments the flow sensor 234 of theapparatus 200 can be coupled to the media holder 30 in the liquid flowcircuit 10. In embodiments incorporating a flow sensor 234, the flowsensor 234 can be in communication with a user interface to record andreport the liquid flow velocity to a user, for example. In variousexamples, the flow sensor 234 is in data communication with a controller240. The controller 240 can be in operative communication with theactuator 220 such that the controller 240 is configured to operate theactuator (thereby translating the moveable sidewall 224) to define aliquid flow velocity relative to the flow sensor and, more particularly,through the media holder 30. In various embodiments the cyclic flowapparatus 200 does not have a flow sensor 234. In some embodiments theflow sensor can be a component of the liquid flow circuit 10, asdiscussed above. In some embodiments the system is configured tocalculate the flow rate through the media holder 30 based on the liquidflow rate through the liquid flow circuit (either determined by a flowsensor or entered by a user) combined with the liquid flow rate to orfrom the apparatus 200 based on the expansion or contraction of thefirst variable volume 216 in response to the displacement of the piston224.

In the current example configuration, the cyclic flow apparatus 200 doesnot replace any components of the liquid flow circuit 10 (such as withthe example of FIG. 3, which is configured to replace the media holderand possibly other components). Rather, in the current example, thecyclic flow apparatus 200 is configured to be added to the liquid flowcircuit 10.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example cyclicflow apparatus 300. The cyclic flow apparatus 300 is similar to thatdescribed above with reference to FIG. 4 except that in the currentexample, the first variable volume 316 of the housing 310 is configuredto be in fluid communication with a liquid flow circuit 10 upstream ofthe media holder 30 and the complementary variable volume 318 of thehousing 310 is configured to be in fluid communication with the liquidflow circuit 10 downstream of the media holder 30. The first variablevolume 316 of the housing 310 is configured to be in fluid communicationwith an inlet line 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10 and thecomplementary variable volume 318 of the housing 310 is configured to bein fluid communication with an outlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit10. The cyclic flow apparatus 300 can be described as being in parallelwith the media holder 30. Such a configuration advantageouslyfacilitates modification or cycling of the velocity of fluid through themedia holder 30 without significantly varying the volumetric flowthrough the liquid circuit upstream and downstream of the cyclic flowapparatus 300. For example, as the first variable volume 316 increasesto reduce the volume of flow through the media holder 30, thecomplementary variable volume 318 decreases to release a correspondingvolume of liquid.

The housing 310 generally has a first flow opening 312, a second flowopening 314, and a cavity 311 extending from the first flow opening 312to the second flow opening 314. The cyclic flow apparatus 300 has ahousing 310 defining a first variable volume 316. The housing 310 has amoveable sidewall 324 defining the first variable volume 316 and acomplementary variable volume 318. The housing 310 has a first flowopening 312 extending to the first variable volume 316 and a second flowopening 314 extending to the complementary variable volume 318. Thefirst flow opening 312 and the second flow opening 314 are defined onopposite axial ends of the housing 310. In the current example, each ofthe first flow opening 312 and the second flow opening 314 operate as aflow inlet and a flow outlet to the housing 310.

The cyclic flow apparatus 300 is generally configured to change a liquidflow velocity through a media holder 30. The cyclic flow apparatus 300can be configured to create cyclic liquid flow conditions through themedia holder 30. In various embodiments, the cyclic flow apparatus 300is configured to cycle a liquid flow velocity through the media couplingstructure 30. Similar to the example discussed with respect to FIG. 4,in the current example the media holder 30 is not a component of thecyclic flow apparatus 300. Rather, the media holder 30 is a component ofthe liquid flow circuit 10 that the cyclic flow apparatus 300 isconfigured to couple to.

The moveable sidewall 324 is a piston 324 that is disposed across thecavity 311. The piston 324 forms a fluid seal with the inner surface ofthe housing 310. The piston 324 is generally linearly translatable inthe axial direction along the cavity 311. As such, the position of thepiston 324 within the cavity 311 defines the volume of the firstvariable volume 316 and the volume of a complementary variable volume318 on the opposite side of the piston 324.

An actuator 320 is translatably coupled to the moveable sidewall 324. Inthe current example, the actuator 320 is fixed to the piston 324 via ashaft 322. In various embodiments the actuator 320 is a linear actuatorthat is fixed to the piston 324. The actuator 320 is configured toactuate linear translation of the piston 324 through the cavity 311.More particularly, the actuator 320 is configured to cyclicallytranslate the piston 324 between a first position and a second positionin the cavity 311. The direction and velocity of the piston 324 throughthe cavity 311 can define the velocity of fluid flow through the mediaholder 30 and, more particularly, through a filter media that is securedto the media holder 30. The actuator 320 can be configured to cause thehousing to cyclically accumulate liquid from the inlet line 12 of theliquid flow circuit 10 in the first variable volume 316 and releaseliquid from the first variable volume 316 to the inlet line 12 of theliquid flow circuit 10.

The cyclic flow apparatus 300 generally has a first conduit couplingstructure 313 about the first flow opening 312 that is configured tosealably couple to the liquid flow circuit 10 such that the first flowopening 312 is in direct fluid communication with the inlet line 12 ofthe liquid flow circuit 10. In various embodiments, the first conduitcoupling structure 313 is configured to detachably couple to the inletline 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10. The cyclic flow apparatus 300also has a second conduit coupling structure 315 about the second flowopening 314 that is configured to sealably couple to the outlet line 14of the liquid flow circuit such that the second flow opening 314 is indirect fluid communication with the outlet line 14 of the liquid flowcircuit 10. The second conduit coupling structure 315 is configured todetachably couple to the outlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit 10.In some other embodiments, the cyclic flow apparatus 300 is configuredto be integral with the liquid flow circuit 10. In some, but not all,such embodiments the cyclic flow apparatus 300 can omit one or both ofthe first and second conduit coupling structures 313, 315 where theinlet line 12 and/or the outlet line 14 are integral with the housing110.

As has been discussed, the liquid flow circuit 10 that is coupled to thecyclic flow apparatus 300 is generally configured to cycle liquidthrough the flow circuit at a constant volumetric flow rate. When themoveable sidewall 324 is stationary within the cavity 311, the velocityof the liquid passing through the opening of the media holder 30 (orthrough a filter media coupled to the media holder) is constant and isequal to the volumetric flow rate divided by the flow area of theopening in the media holder 30. When the moveable sidewall 324 islinearly translated through the cavity 311 away from the first flowopening 312, liquid from the inlet line 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10accumulates in the first variable volume 316. The volumetric flow ratethrough the inlet line 12 decreases by the volumetric flow rate ofliquid into the first variable volume 316 of the housing 310, whichdecreases the velocity of the liquid passing through the media holder30. At the same time, liquid within the complementary variable volume318 is released in the outlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit 10.

When the moveable sidewall 324 is linearly translated through the cavity311 towards the first flow opening 312, liquid from the first variablevolume 316 of the housing 310 is released to the inlet line 12 of theliquid flow circuit 10. The volumetric flow rate through the inlet line12 increases by the volumetric flow rate of liquid leaving the firstvariable volume 316 of the housing 310, which increases the velocity ofliquid passing through the media holder 30. At the same time, thecomplementary variable volume 318 accumulates liquid from the outletline 14 of the liquid flow circuit 10. The volumetric flow rate throughthe outlet line 14 correspondingly decreases by the volumetric flow rateof liquid entering the complementary variable volume 318 of the housing310.

In the above-described way the fluid velocity through a sample filtermedia secured across the media holder 30 can be cyclically varied.

As has been discussed above, the cyclic flow apparatus 300 can have aflow sensor 334 that is configured to sense a liquid flow velocity. Theflow sensor 334 can be configured to sense the liquid flow velocitythrough the first flow opening 312 or elsewhere, as has been describedabove. The flow sensor 334 can be in communication with a userinterface, a controller 340, or both a user interface and the controller340. The controller 340 can be in operative communication with theactuator 320 as has been described above.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example cyclicflow apparatus. Similar to the example discussed above with reference toFIG. 5, here a first variable volume 416 of a housing 410 is configuredto be in fluid communication with a liquid flow circuit 10 upstream ofthe media holder 30 and a complementary variable volume 418 of thehousing 410 is configured to be in fluid communication with the liquidflow circuit 10 downstream of the media holder 30. In the currentexample, however, the first variable volume 416 of the housing 410 isconfigured to be installed in-line with the inlet line 12 of a liquidflow circuit 10 and the complementary variable volume 418 of the housing410 is in fluid communication with the outlet line 14 of the liquid flowcircuit 10. More particularly, the complementary variable volume 418 ofthe housing 410 feeds into the outlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit10. This configuration may advantageously facilitate modification orcycling of the velocity of fluid through the media holder 30 withoutvarying the volumetric flow through the liquid circuit upstream anddownstream of the cyclic flow apparatus 400.

The housing 410 generally has a first flow opening 412, a second flowopening 414, and a cavity 411 extending from the first flow opening 412to the second flow opening 414. The housing 410 of the cyclic flowapparatus 400 defines the first variable volume 416 and thecomplementary variable volume 418. The housing 410 has a moveablesidewall 424 defining the first variable volume 416 and thecomplementary variable volume 418. The housing 410 has a first flowopening 412 extending to the first variable volume 416 and a second flowopening 414 extending to the complementary variable volume 418. Thefirst flow opening 412 and the second flow opening 414 are defined onopposite axial ends of the housing 410. In the current example, thefirst flow opening 412 operates as a flow outlet to the housing 410. Thefirst flow opening 412 is not a flow inlet. The second flow opening 414operates as a flow inlet and a flow outlet to the housing 410.

A first conduit coupling structure 413 is disposed about the first flowopening 412 that is configured to sealably couple to the liquid flowcircuit 10 such that the first flow opening 412 is in direct fluidcommunication with the inlet line 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10. Invarious embodiments, the first conduit coupling structure 413 isconfigured to detachably couple to the inlet line 12 of the liquid flowcircuit 10. A second conduit coupling structure 415 is disposed aboutthe second flow opening 414 that is configured to sealably couple to theoutlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit such that the second flowopening 414 is in direct fluid communication with the outlet line 14 ofthe liquid flow circuit 10. The second conduit coupling structure 415 isconfigured to detachably couple to the outlet line 14 of the liquid flowcircuit 10.

Similar to some previous examples, here the moveable sidewall 424 is apiston 424 that is disposed across the cavity 411 that defines the firstvariable volume 416 and the complementary variable volume 418 of thehousing 410. The piston 424 forms a fluid seal with the inner surface ofthe housing 410. The piston 424 is generally linearly translatable inthe axial direction along the cavity 411. As such, the position of thepiston 424 within the cavity 411 defines the volume of the firstvariable volume 416 and the volume of the complementary variable volume418 on the opposite side of the piston 424.

An actuator 420 is translatably coupled to the piston 424 via a shaft422. In various embodiments the actuator 420 is a linear actuator thatis fixed to the piston 424. The actuator 420 is configured to actuatelinear translation of the piston 424 through the cavity 411. Moreparticularly, the actuator 420 is configured to cyclically translate thepiston 424 between a first position and a second position in the cavity411. The direction and velocity of the piston 424 through the cavity 411can define the velocity of fluid flow through the media holder 30 and,more particularly, through a filter media that is secured to the mediaholder 30. The actuator 420 can be configured to cause the housing 410to cyclically accumulate liquid from the inlet line 12 of the liquidflow circuit 10 in the first variable volume 416 and release liquid fromthe first variable volume 416 to the inlet line 12 of the liquid flowcircuit 10.

Unlike previous examples, in the current example, the housing 410 has athird flow opening 419 that is configured to be fluidly coupled to theinlet line 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10. The third flow opening 419is configured to be positioned upstream of the first flow opening 412along the inlet line 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10. A third conduitcoupling structure 417 about the third flow opening 419 is configured tosealably couple to the inlet line 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10. Thethird conduit coupling structure 417 can be consistent with otherconduit coupling structures described herein. It should be noted that,similar to examples described above, one or more of the conduit couplingstructures 413, 415, 417, can be omitted in some embodiments where thecyclic flow apparatus is integral with the fluid flow circuit 10.

The first variable volume 416 is configured to fluidly couple the inletline 12 and the media holder 30. The first flow opening 412 and thethird flow opening 419 are in direct fluid communication with the firstvariable volume 416. In particular, in the current example, the piston424 and the shaft 422 define a liquid conduit 426 that fluidly couplesthe third flow opening 419 and the first variable volume 416. In thisexample, the liquid conduit 426 passes through the complementaryvariable volume 418 but is fluidly isolated from the complementaryvariable volume 418. In operation, the liquid flow circuit 10 can beconfigured to direct liquid flow through the liquid conduit 426 at aconstant volumetric flow rate.

As with previous embodiments described, the cyclic flow apparatus 400 isconfigured to change the liquid flow velocity through a media holder 30.The cyclic flow apparatus 400 can be configured to create cyclic liquidflow conditions through the media holder 30. In various embodiments, thecyclic flow apparatus 400 is configured to cycle a liquid flow velocitythrough the media coupling structure 30.

As has been described above, when the moveable sidewall 424 isstationary within the cavity 411, the velocity of the liquid passingthrough the media holder 30 (or through a filter media coupled to themedia holder 30) is constant and is equal to the volumetric flow rate ofthe liquid flow circuit 10 divided by the flow area of the opening inthe media holder 30. When the moveable sidewall 424 is linearlytranslated through the cavity 411 away from the first flow opening 412,the volumetric flow rate decreases by the volumetric flow rate of liquidinto the first variable volume 416, which decreases the velocity of theliquid passing through the media holder 30. When the moveable sidewall424 is linearly translated through the cavity 411 towards the first flowopening 412, the volumetric flow rate through the first flow opening 412increases by the volumetric flow rate of liquid pushed out from thefirst variable volume 416 by the piston, which increases the velocity ofliquid passing through the media holder 30.

In various embodiments, a flexible hose can fluidly couple the liquidconduit 426 of the shaft 422 and the inlet line 12 to accommodate lineartranslation of the piston 424 (and, therefore, the shaft 422).

As has been discussed above, the cyclic flow apparatus 400 can have aflow sensor 434 that is configured to sense a liquid flow velocity. Theflow sensor 434 can be configured to sense the liquid flow velocitythrough the first flow opening 412 or elsewhere, as has been describedabove. The flow sensor 434 can be in communication with a userinterface, a controller 440, or both a user interface and the controller440. The controller 440 can be in operative communication with theactuator 420 as has been described above.

While in the current example the apparatus 400 has the first variablevolume 416 that is coupled to the inlet line 12 immediately upstream ofthe media holder 30, in some other embodiments the first variable volume416 is coupled to the outlet line 14 downstream of the media holder 30.In such a configuration, the first variable volume 416 of a housing 410is configured to be in fluid communication with a liquid flow circuit 10downstream of the media holder 30 and the complementary variable volume418 of the housing 410 is configured to be in fluid communication withthe liquid flow circuit 10 along the inlet line 12 upstream of the mediaholder 30. In such an example the first variable volume 416 of thehousing 410 can be configured to be installed in-line with the outletline 14 of a liquid flow circuit 10 and the complementary variablevolume 418 of the housing 410 can be configured to feed into the inletline 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10.

It is noted that in embodiments depicted and described above,displacement of a first volume of liquid from the first variable volumeby the piston results in an opposite displacement of a correspondingvolume of liquid from the complementary variable volume, where thecorresponding volume is less than the first volume of liquid. The reasonfor this is that the shaft reduces the volume of the complementaryvariable volume compared to the first variable volume. FIG. 7 is aschematic cross-sectional view of an alternate exemplary variable volumehousing 510 consistent with some embodiments, where the housing 510configuration advantageously equalizes the volume per unit length of thefirst variable volume 516 and the complementary variable volume 518. Thehousing 510 can be substituted for other housings disclosed in thepresent application and can be constructed to define openings and flowpaths consistent with embodiments already disclosed.

The housing 510 has a first end 502 and a second end 504 and a fluidflow passageway 511 extending axially from the first end 502 to thesecond end 504. A moveable sidewall 524 is disposed in the fluid flowpassageway 511. A first variable volume 516 and a complementary variablevolume 518 are defined on opposite sides of the moveable sidewall 524within the housing 510. The moveable sidewall 524 is a piston 524. Afirst shaft 522 is configured to couple the piston 524 to an actuator(not currently depicted). The first shaft 522 extends through the secondend 504 of the housing 510 and through the complementary variable volume518 in the axial direction. A second shaft 526 is coupled to the piston524 opposite the first shaft 522. The second shaft 526 extends throughthe first end 502 of the housing 510 and through the first variablevolume 516. The cross-sectional area of the first shaft 522 and thecross-sectional area of the second shaft 526 are equal in variousembodiments, where the cross-sectional areas are orthogonal to the axialextension of the housing 510.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example cyclicflow apparatus 600 consistent with various embodiments. The cyclic flowapparatus 600 is configured to be coupled to a liquid flow circuit 10.The cyclic flow apparatus 600 has a housing 610 defining a first flowopening 612 and a first conduit coupling structure 613 about the firstflow opening 612. The first conduit coupling structure 613 is configuredto detachably couple to a liquid flow circuit 10. An actuator 620 is inoperative communication with the housing 610. The actuator 620 isconfigured to cyclically accumulate liquid in the liquid flow circuit 10to the housing 610 (and, in particular, the first variable volume 616)and release liquid from the housing 610 (and, in particular, the firstvariable volume 616) to the liquid flow circuit 10. In some embodiments,a flow sensor 634 is positioned adjacent to the first flow opening 612.In particular, here the flow sensor 634 is positioned adjacent to abladder outlet 612 (where the bladder is described in more detailbelow). The flow sensor 634 can be configured to sense the liquid flowvelocity through the first flow opening 612 or elsewhere, as has beendescribed above. The flow sensor 634 can be in communication with a userinterface, a controller 640, or both a user interface and the controller640. The controller 640 can be in operative communication with theactuator 620 and in data communication with the flow sensor 634 tochange the flow velocity of liquid through the first flow opening 612.

In the current example, the housing 610 defines a cavity 611 having afirst variable volume 616 and a complementary variable volume 618. Thefirst variable volume 616 is configured to be coupled in-line with aninlet line 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10. The first variable volume616 is in a series between the inlet line 12 and a media holder 30. Assuch, the first variable volume 616 has the first conduit couplingstructure 613 that is configured to couple to the liquid flow circuit 10upstream of a media holder 30 and a second conduit coupling structure617 about a second flow opening 619 that is configured to couple to theliquid flow circuit 10 upstream of the first conduit coupling structure613.

The complementary variable volume 618 is configured to be coupledin-line with an outlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit 10. Thecomplementary variable volume 618 is in a series between the mediaholder 30 and the outlet line 14. As such, the housing 610 has a thirdconduit coupling structure 615 about a third flow opening 614 incommunication with the complementary variable volume 618. The thirdconduit coupling structure 615 is configured to couple to the liquidflow circuit 10 downstream of the media holder 30. The housing 610 has afourth conduit coupling structure 621 about a fourth flow opening 623 incommunication with the complementary variable volume 618. The fourthconduit coupling structure 621 is configured to couple to the liquidflow circuit 10 upstream of the third conduit coupling structure 615.Similar to examples described above, one or more of the conduit couplingstructures 613, 615, 617, 621 can be omitted in some embodiments wherethe cyclic flow apparatus is integral with the fluid flow circuit 10.

Similar to other embodiments described herein, the housing 610 has amoveable sidewall 624 that defines the first variable volume 616.However, unlike previous examples, in the current example, the moveablesidewall 624 is a bladder 624. The bladder 624 is generally constructedof a hollow, flexible material such as an elastomeric material such asrubber. In some other embodiments the moveable sidewall can be a bellowshaving collapsible and expandable sidewalls. The first flow opening 612of the bladder 624 can be referred to as the bladder outlet 612. Thesecond flow opening 619 of the bladder 624 can be referred to as thebladder inlet 619. The bladder outlet 612 extends from the firstvariable volume 616 and the bladder inlet 619 extends to the firstvariable volume 616.

In the current example, the housing 610 has an outer casing 644 thatcontains the bladder 624. The outer casing 644 is generally rigid todefine a fixed volume. The complementary variable volume 618 is definedby the volume between the bladder 624 and an inner surface of the outercasing 644. Such a configuration may advantageously allow for liquidaccumulated by the first variable volume 616 to displace liquidaccumulated by the complementary variable volume 618. The third flowopening 614 and the fourth flow opening 623 are defined by the outercasing 644. The third flow opening 614 can be referred to as the casingoutlet 614 and the fourth flow opening 623 can be referred to as thecasing inlet 623. In the current configuration, the casing inlet 623 andthe bladder inlet 619 are on opposite axial ends of the housing 610.Similarly, the casing outlet 614 and the bladder outlet 612 are onopposite axial ends of the housing 610.

In the current example, the actuator 620 is operably coupled to themoveable sidewall 624. In particular, a flow control valve 636 iscoupled to the bladder 624 across the bladder outlet 612 and theactuator 620 is operably coupled to the flow control valve 636. Theactuator 620 is configured to selectively oscillate the valve 636between a restricted position and an open position to reduce andincrease the flow rate of liquid through the first flow opening 612 and,therefore, reduce and increase the flow rate of liquid through the mediaholder 30. Reducing the flow rate of liquid through the first flowopening 612 results in the bladder 624 retaining liquid from the inletline 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10 and the bladder 624 expanding toaccommodate the increased volume of liquid in the bladder. Increasingthe flow rate of liquid through the first flow opening 612 results inthe bladder 624 releasing liquid into the liquid flow circuit 10 andcontracting around the decreasing volume on liquid within the bladder624.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example cyclicflow apparatus. Similar to the example discussed above with reference toFIG. 8, here a first variable volume 716 of a housing 710 is configuredto be in-line with an inlet line 12 of a liquid flow circuit 10 and acomplementary variable volume 718 of the housing 710 is configured to bein fluid communication with an outlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit10. Configuring both the first variable volume 716 and the complementaryvariable volume 718 to be in-line with the flow lines in a liquid flowcircuit may advantageously allow for constant fluid flow through thevolumes, reducing accumulation or settling of particles in the volumes.In the current example the first variable volume 716 of the housing 710is configured to be installed in-line with the inlet line 12 of a liquidflow circuit 10 and the complementary variable volume 718 of the housing710 is in fluid communication with the outlet line 14 of the liquid flowcircuit 10. This configuration advantageously facilitates modificationor cycling of the velocity of fluid through the media holder 30 withoutvarying the volumetric flow through the liquid flow circuit 10 upstreamand downstream of the cyclic flow apparatus 700.

The housing 710 generally has a first flow opening 712, a second flowopening 714, and a cavity 711 extending from the first flow opening 712to the second flow opening 714. The housing 710 of the cyclic flowapparatus 700 defines the first variable volume 716 and thecomplementary variable volume 718. The housing 710 has a moveablesidewall 724 defining the first variable volume 716 and thecomplementary variable volume 718. The housing 710 has a first flowopening 712 extending to the first variable volume 716 and a second flowopening 714 extending to the complementary variable volume 718. Thefirst flow opening 712 and the second flow opening 714 are defined onopposite axial ends of the housing 710. In the current example, thefirst flow opening 712 operates as a flow outlet to the first variablevolume 716 of the housing 710. The first flow opening 712 is not a flowinlet. The second flow opening 714 operates as a flow outlet to thecomplementary variable volume 718 of the housing 710.

A first conduit coupling structure 713 is disposed about the first flowopening 712 that is configured to sealably couple to the liquid flowcircuit 10 such that the first flow opening 712 is in direct fluidcommunication with the inlet line 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10. Invarious embodiments, the first conduit coupling structure 713 isconfigured to detachably couple to the inlet line 12 of the liquid flowcircuit 10. A second conduit coupling structure 715 is disposed aboutthe second flow opening 714 that is configured to sealably couple to theoutlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit such that the second flowopening 714 is in direct fluid communication with the outlet line 14 ofthe liquid flow circuit 10. The second conduit coupling structure 715 isconfigured to detachably couple to the outlet line 14 of the liquid flowcircuit 10.

The housing 710 has a third flow opening 719 that is configured to befluidly coupled to the inlet line 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10. Thefirst flow opening 712 and the third flow opening 719 are in directfluid communication with the first variable volume 716. The third flowopening 719 is configured to be upstream of the first flow opening 712along the inlet line 12 of the liquid flow circuit 10. The third flowopening 719 operates as an inlet of the first variable volume 716. Athird conduit coupling structure 717 about the third flow opening 719 isconfigured to sealably couple to the inlet line 12 of the liquid flowcircuit 10. The third conduit coupling structure 717 can be consistentwith other conduit coupling structures described herein.

The housing 710 has a fourth flow opening 723 that is configured to befluidly coupled to the outlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit 10. Thefourth flow opening 723 is configured to be upstream of the second flowopening 714 along the outlet line 14 of the liquid flow circuit 10. Thesecond flow opening 714 and the fourth opening 723 are in direct fluidcommunication with the complementary variable volume 718. The fourthflow opening 723 operates as an inlet of the complementary variablevolume 718. A fourth conduit coupling structure 721 about the fourthflow opening 723 is configured to sealably couple to the outlet line 14of the liquid flow circuit 10. The fourth conduit coupling structure 721can be consistent with other conduit coupling structures describedherein. Similar to examples described above, one or more of the conduitcoupling structures 713, 715, 717, 721 can be omitted in someembodiments where the cyclic flow apparatus is integral with the fluidflow circuit 10.

Similar to some previous examples, here the moveable sidewall 724 is apiston 724 that is disposed across the fluid passageway 711 that definesthe first variable volume 716 and the complementary variable volume 718of the housing 710. The piston 724 forms a fluid seal with the innersurface of the housing 710. The piston 724 is generally linearlytranslatable in the axial direction along the cavity 711. As such, theposition of the piston 724 within the cavity 711 defines the volume ofthe first variable volume 716 and the volume of the complementaryvariable volume 718 on the opposite side of the piston 724.

An actuator 720 is translatably coupled to the piston 724 via a shaft722. In various embodiments the actuator 720 is a linear actuator thatis fixed to the piston 724. The actuator 720 is configured to actuatelinear translation of the piston 724 through the cavity 711. Moreparticularly, the actuator 720 is configured to cyclically translate thepiston 724 between a first position and a second position in the cavity711. The direction and velocity of the piston 724 through the cavity 711can define the velocity of fluid flow through the media holder 30 and,more particularly, through a filter media that is secured to the mediaholder 30.

As with previous embodiments described, the cyclic flow apparatus 700 isconfigured to change the liquid flow velocity through a media holder 30.The cyclic flow apparatus 700 can be configured to create cyclic liquidflow conditions through the media holder 30. In various embodiments, thecyclic flow apparatus 700 is configured to cycle a liquid flow velocitythrough a media coupling structure of the media holder 30.

In various embodiments, the liquid flow circuit 10 that is coupled tothe cyclic flow apparatus 700 is configured to cycle liquid through theflow circuit at a constant volumetric flow rate. As such, when themoveable sidewall 724 is stationary within the cavity 711, the velocityof the liquid passing through the media holder 30 (or through a filtermedia coupled to the media holder 30) is constant and is equal to thevolumetric flow rate divided by the flow area of the opening in themedia holder 30. When the moveable sidewall 724 is linearly translatedthrough the cavity 711 away from the first flow opening 712, thevolumetric flow rate through the first flow opening 712 decreases by thevolumetric flow rate of liquid into the first variable volume 716, whichdecreases the velocity of the liquid passing through the media holder30. When the moveable sidewall 724 is linearly translated through thecavity 711 towards the first flow opening 712, the volumetric flow ratethrough the first flow opening 712 increases by the volumetric flow rateof liquid pushed out from the first variable volume 716 by the piston,which increases the velocity of liquid passing through the media holder30.

As has been discussed above, the cyclic flow apparatus 700 can have aflow sensor 734 that is configured to sense a liquid flow velocity. Theflow sensor 734 can be configured to sense the liquid flow velocitythrough the first flow opening 712 or elsewhere, as has been describedabove. The flow sensor 734 can be in communication with a userinterface, a controller 740, or both a user interface and the controller740. The controller 740 can be in operative communication with theactuator 720 as has been described above.

In various implementations of the currently disclosed technology, thesystem is configured to oscillate the first variable volume between aminimum possible volume of the first variable volume and another volume.Such a system configuration reduces the opportunity for contaminantssuspended in the liquid to remain in the first variable volume and,therefore, ensures that contaminants are passed through the liquid flowcircuit downstream of the first variable volume. Similarly, inembodiments where there is a complementary variable volume that is inliquid communication with the liquid flow circuit (such as depicted inFIGS. 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9), various implementations of systems disclosedherein are configured to oscillate the complementary variable volumebetween its minimum possible volume to another volume for the samereason. Because the minimum possible volume of the complementaryvariable volume results in the maximum possible volume of the firstvariable volume and the minimum possible volume of the first variablevolume results in the maximum possible volume of the complementaryvariable volume, such systems are configured to oscillate the firstvariable volume (and the complementary variable volume) between itsminimum and maximum possible volumes.

For example, in embodiments where the first variable volume and thecomplementary variable volume is defined by a cylinder and a pistontranslatably disposed in the cylinder (such as depicted in FIGS. 3, 5,6, 7 and 9), the system is configured to oscillate the piston betweenthe axial ends of the cylinder such that the minimum volume of the firstvariable volume approaches zero and the maximum volume of the firstvariable volume approaches the volume of the cylinder minus the volumeof the piston, when the complementary variable volume approaches zero.As another example, in embodiments where the first variable volume isdefined by a bladder and the complementary variable volume is defined bya casing (such as depicted in FIG. 8), the minimum possible volume ofthe first variable volume 616 may approach zero correlating with amaximum possible volume of the complementary variable volume 618 whichis the volume of the casing minus the volume of the bladder 624 when theinternal volume of the bladder 624 approaches zero. The minimum possiblevolume of the complementary variable volume 618 may approach zerocorresponding to the bladder 624 expanding to its maximum possiblevolume, where the bladder 624 is expanded to substantially fill theouter casing 644.

In some implementations of the current technology, it may be desirableto use different cyclic apparatuses having alternate configurations incombination with a particular liquid flow circuit. For example, sometesting conditions may benefit from a cyclic flow apparatus having afirst variable volume that is relatively large, while other testingconditions may benefit from a cyclic flow apparatus having a firstvariable volume that is relatively small. As such, some systemsconsistent with the technology disclosed herein incorporate multiplecyclic apparatuses each coupled to the liquid flow circuit in parallel.Each cyclic apparatus can define differently sized first variablevolumes (and complementary variable volumes, where relevant). Eachcyclic apparatus can be consistent with those discussed herein. In suchimplementations, the system can incorporate a switch, such as anelectronic or mechanical switch, through which each cyclic apparatus canbe selected for operative engagement with the liquid flow circuit. Insome such embodiments, liquid communication between each cyclicapparatus and the liquid flow circuit is mutually exclusive.

Statement of the Embodiments

Embodiment 1. A cyclic flow apparatus comprising:a housing having a first variable volume and a first flow openingextending to the first variable volume, the housing comprising amoveable sidewall defining the first variable volume, and the housingcomprising a first conduit coupling structure about the first flowopening; anda linear actuator fixed to the moveable sidewall.Embodiment 2. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 1 and 3-12,wherein the moveable sidewall is a piston.Embodiment 3. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 1-2 and4-12, wherein the linear actuator and the moveable sidewall areconfigured to change a flow velocity of a liquid in a liquid flowcircuit.Embodiment 4. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 1-3 and5-12, wherein the first conduit coupling structure is configured tosealably couple to a liquid flow circuit.Embodiment 5. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 1-4 and6-12, wherein the piston has a media opening defining a flow path influid communication with the first variable volume.Embodiment 6. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 1-5 and7-12, wherein the piston comprises a media coupling structure about themedia opening.Embodiment 7. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 1-6 and8-12, wherein the piston forms a fluid seal with the housing across thefirst variable volume.Embodiment 8. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 1-7 and9-12, wherein the first flow opening is a flow inlet and flow outlet.Embodiment 9. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 1-8 and10-12, wherein the first flow opening is a flow inlet and the first flowopening is not a flow outlet.Embodiment 10. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 1-9 and11-12, the housing having a complementary variable volume, wherein themoveable sidewall defines the complementary variable volume.Embodiment 11. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 1-10 and12, wherein the housing has a second flow opening extending to thecomplementary variable volume.Embodiment 12. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 1-11,wherein the cyclic flow apparatus is a retrofit device.Embodiment 13. A cyclic flow apparatus comprising:a housing having a flow inlet, a flow outlet, and a cavity extending inan axial direction from the flow inlet to the flow outlet; anda piston disposed across the cavity and forming a seal with the housing,wherein the piston is linearly translatable in the axial direction alongthe cavity, the piston defining an axially extending media opening influid communication with the cavity.Embodiment 14. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 13 and15-18, further comprising an actuator coupled to the piston.Embodiment 15. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 13-14 and16-18, wherein the actuator is configured to cyclically translate thepiston between a first position and a second position in the cavity.Embodiment 16. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 13-15 and17-18, wherein the first position is towards a first end of the cavityand the second position is towards the second end of the cavity.Embodiment 17. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 13-16 and18, wherein the piston defines a media coupling structure about themedia opening.Embodiment 18. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 13-17,wherein the cyclic flow apparatus is a retrofit device.Embodiment 19. A cyclic flow apparatus comprising:a housing having a first variable volume defining a first flow openingand a conduit coupling structure about the first flow opening, whereinthe conduit coupling structure is configured to detachably couple to aliquid flow circuit; andan actuator in operative communication with the housing, wherein theactuator is configured to cause the housing to cyclically accumulateliquid in the liquid flow circuit in the first variable volume andrelease liquid from the first variable volume to the liquid flowcircuit.Embodiment 20. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 19 and21-27, further comprising a flow sensor positioned in the first flowopening and a controller coupled to the actuator, wherein the controlleris in data communication with the flow sensor.Embodiment 21. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 19-20 and22-27, wherein the housing is a cylinder.Embodiment 22. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 19-21 and23-27, further comprising a piston translatably disposed in thecylinder, wherein the first variable volume is defined by the cylinderand piston.Embodiment 23. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 19-22 and24-27, further comprising a complementary variable volume defined by thecylinder and the piston, wherein the cylinder defines a second flowopening extending to the complementary variable volume.Embodiment 24. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 19-23 and25-27, wherein the first variable volume is a bladder.Embodiment 25. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 19-24 and26-27, wherein the first flow opening is a flow inlet and flow outlet.Embodiment 26. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 19-25 and27, wherein the first flow opening is a flow inlet and the first flowopening is not a flow outlet.Embodiment 27. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 19-26,wherein the cyclic flow apparatus is a retrofit device.Embodiment 28. A cyclic flow apparatus comprising:a housing defining a first variable volume and a complementary variablevolume, the housing comprising an outer casing having a fixed volume anda bladder disposed in the casing, wherein the bladder defines the firstvariable volume, a bladder inlet extending to the first variable volume,and a bladder outlet extending from the first variable volume, whereinthe complementary variable volume is defined between the bladder and thecasing and the casing defines a casing inlet and a casing outlet;a flow control valve operably coupled to the bladder outlet; andan actuator operably coupled to the flow control valve, wherein theactuator is configured to oscillate the flow control valve between arestricted position and an open position.Embodiment 29. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 28 and30-33, wherein the bladder inlet and the casing inlet are at oppositeaxial ends of the housing.Embodiment 30. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 28-29 and31-33, further comprising a flow sensor positioned adjacent the bladderoutlet and a controller coupled to the actuator, wherein the controlleris in data communication with the flow sensor.Embodiment 31. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 28-30 and32-33, further comprising a first conduit coupling structure about thebladder outlet, a second conduit coupling structure about the casingoutlet, a third conduit coupling structure about the bladder inlet, anda fourth conduit coupling structure about the casing inlet, wherein eachconduit coupling structure is configured to be coupled to a liquid flowcircuit.Embodiment 32. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 28-31 and33, wherein the actuator is configured to cause the bladder tocyclically accumulate and release liquid.Embodiment 33. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 28-32,wherein the cyclic flow apparatus is a retrofit device.Embodiment 34. A cyclic flow apparatus comprising:a housing defining a first variable volume and a first flow openingextending to the first variable volume, the housing comprising amoveable sidewall defining the first variable volume;an actuator operably coupled to the moveable sidewall;a flow sensor configured to sense a liquid flow velocity; anda controller in data communication with the flow sensor and in operativecommunication with the actuator, wherein the controller is configured tooperate the actuator to define a liquid flow velocity relative to theflow sensor.Embodiment 35. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 34 and36-46, wherein the moveable sidewall comprises a piston.Embodiment 36. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 34-35 and37-46, wherein the piston defines an opening and a media couplingstructure about the opening.Embodiment 37. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 34-36 and38-46, wherein the flow sensor is disposed on the piston.Embodiment 38. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 34-37 and39-46, wherein the flow sensor is disposed adjacent the first flowopening.Embodiment 39. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 34-38 and40-46, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator.Embodiment 40. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 34-39 and41-46, wherein the actuator is configured to operate a flow controlvalve.Embodiment 41. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 34-40 and42-46, the housing comprising a first conduit coupling structure aboutthe first flow opening, wherein the first conduit coupling structure isconfigured to sealably couple to a liquid flow circuit.Embodiment 42. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 34-41 and43-46, wherein the first flow opening is a flow inlet and flow outlet.Embodiment 43. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 34-42 and44-46, wherein the first flow opening is a flow inlet and the first flowopening is not a flow outlet.Embodiment 44. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 34-43 and45-46, the housing having a complementary variable volume, wherein themoveable sidewall defines the complementary variable volume.Embodiment 45. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 34-44 and46, wherein the housing has a second flow opening extending to thecomplementary variable volume.Embodiment 46. The cyclic flow apparatus of any one of claims 34-45,wherein the cyclic flow apparatus is a retrofit device.

One or more of the components, such as the controllers, sensors,detectors, or systems, described herein may include a processor, such asa central processing unit (CPU), computer, logic array, or other devicecapable of directing data coming into or out of the component. Theprocessor may include one or more computing devices having memory,processing, and communication hardware. The processor may includecircuitry used to couple various components of the controller togetheror with other components operably coupled to the controller. Thefunctions of the processor may be performed by hardware and/or ascomputer instructions on a non-transient computer readable storagemedium.

The processor may include any one or more of a microprocessor, amicrocontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array(FPGA), and/or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. Insome examples, the processor may include multiple components, such asany combination of one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers,one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, and/or one or more FPGAs, as wellas other discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The functionsattributed to the processor herein may be embodied as software,firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the functionality of the processor may beimplemented using one or more computer programs using a computingapparatus, which may include one or more processors and/or memory.Program code and/or logic described herein may be applied to inputdata/information to perform functionality described herein and generatedesired output data/information. The output data/information may beapplied as an input to one or more other devices and/or methods asdescribed herein or as would be applied in a known fashion. In view ofthe above, it will be readily apparent that the controller functionalityas described herein may be implemented in any manner known to oneskilled in the art.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and theappended claims, the phrase “configured” describes a system, apparatus,or other structure that is constructed to perform a particular task oradopt a particular configuration. The word “configured” can be usedinterchangeably with similar words such as “arranged”, “constructed”,“manufactured”, and the like.

All publications and patent applications in this specification areindicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which thistechnology pertains. All publications and patent applications are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication or patent application was specifically and individuallyindicated by reference. In the event that any inconsistency existsbetween the disclosure of the present application and the disclosure(s)of any document incorporated herein by reference, the disclosure of thepresent application shall govern.

This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of thepresent subject matter. It is to be understood that the abovedescription is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and theclaims are not limited to the illustrative embodiments as set forthherein. For the purpose of the present description and of the appendedclaims, except where otherwise indicated, all numerical values are to beunderstood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Also,all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and includeany intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specificallyenumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a value recited hereinencompasses deviations of ±3 percent. Within this context, a recitedvalue may be considered to include values that are within generalstandard error for the measurement of the property that the numbermodifies.

1. A cyclic flow apparatus comprising: a housing having a first variable volume and a first flow opening extending to the first variable volume, the housing comprising a moveable sidewall defining the first variable volume, and the housing comprising a first conduit coupling structure about the first flow opening; and a linear actuator fixed to the moveable sidewall.
 2. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 1, wherein the moveable sidewall is a piston.
 3. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 1, wherein the linear actuator and the moveable sidewall are configured to change a flow velocity of a liquid in a liquid flow circuit.
 4. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first conduit coupling structure is configured to sealably couple to a liquid flow circuit.
 5. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 2, wherein the piston has a media opening defining a flow path in fluid communication with the first variable volume.
 6. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 5, wherein the piston comprises a media coupling structure about the media opening.
 7. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 2, wherein the piston forms a fluid seal with the housing across the first variable volume.
 8. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first flow opening is a flow inlet and flow outlet.
 9. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first flow opening is a flow inlet and the first flow opening is not a flow outlet.
 10. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 1, the housing having a complementary variable volume, wherein the moveable sidewall defines the complementary variable volume.
 11. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 10, wherein the housing has a second flow opening extending to the complementary variable volume.
 12. (canceled)
 13. A cyclic flow apparatus comprising: a housing having a flow inlet, a flow outlet, and a cavity extending in an axial direction from the flow inlet to the flow outlet; and a piston disposed across the cavity and forming a seal with the housing, wherein the piston is linearly translatable in the axial direction along the cavity, the piston defining an axially extending media opening in fluid communication with the cavity.
 14. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 13, further comprising an actuator coupled to the piston.
 15. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 14, wherein the actuator is configured to cyclically translate the piston between a first position and a second position in the cavity.
 16. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first position is towards a first end of the cavity and the second position is towards the second end of the cavity.
 17. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 13, wherein the piston defines a media coupling structure about the media opening.
 18. (canceled)
 19. A cyclic flow apparatus comprising: a housing having a first variable volume defining a first flow opening and a conduit coupling structure about the first flow opening, wherein the conduit coupling structure is configured to detachably couple to a liquid flow circuit; and an actuator in operative communication with the housing, wherein the actuator is configured to cause the housing to cyclically accumulate liquid in the liquid flow circuit in the first variable volume and release liquid from the first variable volume to the liquid flow circuit.
 20. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a flow sensor positioned in the first flow opening and a controller coupled to the actuator, wherein the controller is in data communication with the flow sensor.
 21. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 19, wherein the housing is a cylinder.
 22. The cyclic flow apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a piston translatably disposed in the cylinder, wherein the first variable volume is defined by the cylinder and piston. 23-46. (canceled) 